The holidays are over, and now it is time for the "Santa Shock," when you get the bills for all of your purchases. According to a study conducted by Lending Tree, consumers, on average, incurred a holiday debt of nearly $1,200. The Ohio Division of Financial Institutions tips to reduce your large bill are negotiating a lower interest rate, creating a debt payoff plan, or reducing your spending for normal monthly expenses. Experts say you don't want this year's holiday debt to spread to next year.
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December 20, 2024, Press Release from the Ohio Investigative Unit (OIU): COLUMBUS, OH – The Ohio Investigative Unit (OIU) is issuing an alert to small and medium-sized grocery stores and convenience stores across Ohio about an escalating threat of Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card skimming fraud targeting SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients. Criminal organizations have increasingly targeted SNAP-authorized retail locations with skimming devices designed to steal EBT card information. These devices primarily capture data from magnetic stripes rather than chip-enabled cards and tap-to-pay systems. The most common skimming method involves an overlay-type device placed over the keypad and magnetic swipe reader. These devices are strategically designed to capture card information and Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) from unsuspecting SNAP benefit recipients.
November 11, 2024, press release from the Armstrong Air & Space Museum: WAPAKONETA, OHIO – On Friday, Governor Mike DeWine’s office announced the re-appointment of Armstrong Air & Space Museum curator and communications director, Logan Rex, to the TourismOhio Advisory Board. Rex will serve on the board for an additional three years, having previously been appointed to a one year term last September. “I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to continue serving the people of Ohio in this role,” says Rex. “I would like to thank Governor DeWine and his office for their continued support and trust in my ability to help promote Ohio as the heart of it all. I encourage everyone, residents and visitors alike, to take a deeper dive and explore all the amazing experiences the Buckeye State has to offer.”
October 9, 2024, Press Release from the Ohio Department of Commerce: COLUMBUS, Ohio – If you operate a bank or business in the state of Ohio, you have until Nov. 1 to report unclaimed funds to the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Unclaimed Funds – even if there are not any funds to report. Unclaimed Funds Reports are due on Nov. 1 for accounts dormant as of June 30, 2024. The only exception is for life insurance companies, whose reports are due May 1, 2025 for accounts dormant as of Dec. 31, 2024. Last year, the division received 90,790 reports and $528 million.
Dozens of property owners are coming out to dispute their new tentative valuation amount with the Allen County Auditor's Office. Informal hearings with the auditor's office started today and continue on Wednesday. Every three years, the state requires that property values be re-evaluated. The amount is determined by what properties around you are going for on the open market. You do have the chance to dispute your new valuation, and you need to bring documentation to back up your case.
August 27, 2024, Press Release from the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission: BEREA, Ohio (Aug. 27, 2024) – The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission’s customer service center is experiencing increased call volume following the delivery of unpaid tolls invoices. As a result of the increased call volume, the Ohio Turnpike has suspended all late fees, collections, and Ohio BMV registration holds.
August 21, 2024, Press Release from the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission: BEREA, Ohio (Aug. 21, 2024) -- The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission is reminding mobile device owners everywhere to be aware of a resurgence in fraudulent texts from scammers requesting payment for unpaid tolls through fake websites. The Ohio Turnpike does NOT request its customers to make payments by text. Collections of unpaid tolls and/or toll violations do NOT occur by text either.
August 21, 2024, Press Release from the Ohio Department of Commerce: COLUMBUS, Ohio – In 2023 alone, Ohioans sent more than $2 trillion through money transmitter services, which has more than doubled from 2018. While traditional services like Western Union and MoneyGram allow individuals to easily send money to family and friends, including overseas, newer online companies like Fintech Digital and crypto exchanges pose a higher risk of fraud. The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Financial Institutions (DFI) is highlighting how Ohioans can protect themselves – and their money – from potential risks. With the proliferation of online money transmitters for holding and transmitting funds, consumers should be aware of potential scams, especially those involving crypto wallets or online purchases. Fraudsters may set up fake companies or pressure individuals into sending money under false pretenses, such as a family emergency. Unlike online digital payment networks such as Venmo or Zelle, which require extensive user verification, some of these money transmitter services are prime areas for scammers to exploit due to their less stringent account setup processes.
Some may not believe it, but the numbers show that Lima Allen County is a destination spot for people outside of the city and the county. The executive director of Visit Greater Lima spoke to Lima Rotarians about what attractions bring people to the city. Highlighted were the Allen County Museum, parks, and the revitalization of downtown Lima attractions, among many others. Whether it's stopping for a tank of gas, a meal, or an overnight stay, they all have an economic impact. Their goal is to attract people from three to four hours away who come in and stay the night, which helps support local businesses.
LIMA (WLIO) - The Allen County Council on Aging held a Medicare workshop free to the public this afternoon.